Each man has his gigantic combinations--perhaps equally important in the eyes of the High Gods.

I was filled with an immense pity for Napoleon III.
Of the object of the adventure he said nothing.

As secrecy seemed to be a vital element in his fifteen-cent scheme, I showed no embarrassing curiosity.

Indeed, I felt but little, though I was certain that the adventure was connected with the world-cracking revelations of Monsieur Saupiquet, and was undertaken in the interest of his beloved lady, Lola Brandt.

But it was like playing at pirates with a child, and my pity for Napoleon gave place to my pity for my valiant but childish little friend.
At last he looked again at his watch.
"The hour his struck.